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Transact Payment Systems uses NCR’s new 2D barcode tech at ATM

Transact Payment Systems Inc., an NCR Corp. reseller, is working to automate services at scrap yards.

According to a news release, Transact soon expects to enhance its offerings with the first U.S. deployment of NCR’s new two-dimensional barcode-reading technology for ATMs.

The Transact Cash Payment System enables a secure and automated process for paying customers who bring materials to a scrap yard for recycling. The system uses magnetic-striped cards and an NCR ATM, removing the need to rely on cashiers to handle and manage cash. Management at scrap yards gains added accountability in currency management and customers access the ATM located at the site for immediate payment.

“Much as it did within banks, the use of an ATM self-service system by scrap yards has also helped break down the traditional glass window barriers and subsequent physical security traditions that had grown up around this industry,” said Brian Pilla, NCR’s director of financial marketing in North America. “The use of an armored cash-in-transit courier to replenish the ATM means cash never touches an employee’s hands. This reduces attendant costs and cash shortages, while offering a secure environment for employees.”

A database, still image and video record are maintained for each transaction, increasing security and allowing for follow-up research when necessary.

The 2D barcode readers will eliminate the need for scrap yards to issue plastic cards to their customers for onsite payment redemption, NCR says. Instead, customers will receive a printed receipt that includes an encrypted barcode that can be read by the scanner-equipped ATM.

The new 2D technology also is touted for being more difficult to copy than a regular mag-stripe. The 2D version, which is more scrambled in appearance than the common vertical lines of traditional barcodes, can also hold more information.

“We recognized that scrap metal is typically purchased from peddlers who require payment in cash,” said Ken Gruber, founder and president of Transact. “About 10 years ago, we started supplying ATMs to the yards and enabling payment via a magnetic-striped card. The barcode reader, redundant cash dispensers and coin changers offer a wide variety of advantages previously not available."

Scrap Yard’s New Workhorse is NCR ATM, Thanks to Transact’s Vision

ATMs used for payment redemption boosts security and tightens currency management

DAYTON, Ohio – Like many businesses, currency management and operational security are becoming increasingly important in the scrap recycling industry. Transact Payment Systems, Inc. recognized that individual scrap yard customers and management could be better served through automated self-service. Now an authorized NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) factory reseller, Transact turned to NCR to help make its vision a reality, helping both companies enjoy solid market penetration in the scrap recycling market.

The Transact Cash Payment System enables the scrap yard to pay its customers through the innovative and cost effective use of magnetic striped cards and an NCR automated teller machine (ATM). This removes the need to rely on cashiers to handle and manage cash, leading to significant improvement in security and operational efficiency. Management also gains additional accountability in currency management.

Ken Gruber, founder and president of Transact Payment Systems, said, “We recognized that in many locations, scrap metal is typically purchased from small peddlers who require payment in cash. About ten years ago, we started supplying ATMs to the yards and enabling payment via a magnetic striped card. As an NCR factory reseller we can take advantage of the newer technology and offer systems specifically configured for the scrap metal industry. The bar code reader, redundant cash dispensers and coin changers offer a wide variety of advantages previously not available. This can be accomplished using new, high-quality ATMs with capabilities similar to banks. This system is working very well for our customers and we look forward to expanding the offer globally.”

Currently, with an ATM as part of the scrap buying transaction, a magnetic striped card is issued with the payment information. Soon, instead of a plastic card, a bar-coded receipt will be generated. In both cases, the customer simply accesses the NCR ATM located at the site for immediate payment. A database, still image and video record is maintained for each transaction, increasing security and allowing for follow-up research when necessary. Tight controls assure that payments are made correctly and only once for each transaction.

Brian Pilla, NCR director of Financial Industry Marketing in North America, said, “Much like its banking industry counterparts, the use of an ATM self-service system also helped break down the traditional glass window barriers and subsequent physical security traditions that had grown up around this industry. Use of a cash-in-transit courier also means cash never touches an employee’s hands. This reduces attendant costs and cash shortages, while offering a secure environment for employees. This is another great example of how integrated, secure self-service technology can make a significant difference to business operations.”